Fluid-Fillable Barrier

ABSTRACT

A fluid-fillable barrier which includes a flexible, tubular, impermeable membrane and at least two internal tension members. The membrane has opposite ends, a middle, fluid-fillable section, an upper attachment area, and a lower attachment area. The tension members secure between, and extend from, the upper attachment area to the lower attachment area. The tension members have a length which is less than one-half the perimeter of the membrane, the length and perimeter being measured at a common cross-section, taken perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the membrane. One of the tension members is longer than the other, so that it is in a relaxed, limp state under normal operating conditions. The tension members are thermally bonded to, and sewn with a double sew line to, the attachment areas. The barrier further includes lifting loops at each end, connection cleats on the sides and ends, and venting/drainage standpipes.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable.

THE NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

Not Applicable.

INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC

Not Applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

(1) Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a method or apparatus for regulating orredirecting the flow of a moving body of liquid, for regulating ormodifying a fluid's movement through a path relating to a fixedartificial construction placed to obstruct the flow of a body of liquidso as to stop substantially all flow or to prevent lateral spreading ofthe body of liquid, wherein a portion of the barrier bends in responseto forces exerted upon it by the obstructed stream.

(2) Description of Related Art (Including Information Disclosed Under 37CFR 1.97 and 1.98)

U.S. Pat. No. 5,125,767 (the '767 patent) to Dooleage discloses a pairof flexible, impermeable bags 11 and 12, held together in a side-by-siderelationship by a surrounding cover 13, such as another bag. Col. 2,lines 33-36. The system comprises a pair of elongate, flexible, andimpermeable bags interlocked in a side-by-side relationship, and thatmay incorporate additional water-filled bags in the ends as anchors.Although simple in comparison to sheet piling methods, the cover 13 inthe Dooleage design hides the inner bags 11 and 12. This makes itdifficult to determine, prior to filling the bags, whether the bags 11and 12 are properly aligned or whether they are tangled. In addition,utilizing three separate tubes increases the complexity and requiresmore material, thus increasing the weight of the design. The pair ofbags 11 and 12 are “held together in side-by-side relationship by asurrounding cover 13”. Column 2, lines 34-35. The system relies on afriction bond between the two tubes to prevent tube rotation: “theadjacent sides of the bags are in engagement and at the point ofengagement will tend to rotate in opposite directions (in response tothe tendency of the bags to roll) and to then become mutually locked andstable against rolling”. Column 2, lines 51-55. Thus, it appears that inthe Dooleage system, if one or more of the inner tubes fail, then theentire system fails.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,059,065 (the '065 patent) to Dooleage discloses in FIG.9 a water structure section 31 which connects at its end 31a, inabutting engagement, with another water structure section 30. One end ofthe connecting sleeve 21 receives the water structure section end 31a,with the other connecting sleeve end arranged beneath the waterstructure section 30. On filling of the water structures and connectingof the sleeve plugs, the connecting sleeve 21 locks in place under thewater structure section 30. Col. 6, line 66 through Col. 7, line 8.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,799,821 to Brodersen discloses an elongated flexibletube 12, which fills with water, and “joint packing material 16” “suchas dirt” (Col. 4, line 46), placed at the junction of the water-filledtube and the ground surface 18. Col. 3, lines 10-19. However, thenecessity of using the dirt increases the time which erection of thedike structure requires. Further, without the dirt, the dike structurewould apparently tend to roll in the direction of the applied waterpressure.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,040,919 to Hendrix discloses a containment device whichincludes an elongated, flexible tube 11 in the shape of an obliqueangled triangle. Col. 2, lines 60-64. The triangular shape is maintainedby gussets 14 of flexible material, attached by welding or adhesion tothe inside of the tube 11. Arcuate cutouts 12 are placed at regularintervals along the inner circumference of the tube 11. Col. 2, lines 65to Col. 3, line 5. However, the gussets 14 would apparently wrinkle whensubjected to a transverse load. It would appear that wrinkling isminimized only when water completely fills the tube 11. Further, itappears that the walls of the tube 11 itself are fully placed in tensiononly when water completely fills the tube. Therefore, apparently, watermust completely fill the tube 11 in order for the containment device tobe fully effective.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,865,564 to Miller et al. discloses a water-filled bag 20with a tension member 32. “The tension member 32 locks the barrier 20against continued rotation.” Column 4, lines 61-62. In FIG. 7, theMiller patent shows the barrier 20 having “two tension members 132 and136”. Column 5, line 42. However, the Miller patent shows the “tension”members 32, 132, and 136 always in “tension”. Thus, the Miller designlacks any sort of a “back-up” system to account for the wear on themembers 32, 132, and 136 from being constantly in tension. It has beendetermined that after many installation and removal cycles, the tensionmembers can break, allowing the barrier 20 to roll.

What is needed is a fluid-fillable barrier which is simple, efficient,easily deployable and light weight, which provides a secure barrier atany filled height, which does not require shoring up or bracing in orderto prevent movement or leakage, and which has a built-in backup(“safety”) system to prevent the barrier from rolling, in the event thatthe tension members are compromised.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention solves the foregoing problems and achievestechnical advantages with a fluid-fillable barrier which includes aflexible tubular, impermeable membrane and at least two internal tensionmembers. The membrane has opposite ends, a middle, fluid-fillablesection, an upper attachment area, and a lower attachment area. Thetension members secure between, and extend from, the upper attachmentarea to the lower attachment area. The tension members have a lengthwhich is less than one-half the perimeter of the membrane, the lengthand perimeter being measured at a common cross-section, takenperpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the membrane. One of the tensionmembers is longer than the other, so that it is in a relaxed, limp stateunder normal operating conditions.

In another feature, the tension member is a flexible, planar materialhaving opposite edges which include corresponding upper and lowerbonding areas. The upper and lower bonding areas bond to correspondingupper and lower attachment areas on the barrier.

In another feature, the tension members are thermally bonded to, andsewn with a double sew line to, the attachment areas.

In other features, the barrier further includes lifting loops at eachend, venting/drainage standpipes, and cleats on the sides and ends ofthe barrier for connecting to other barriers, and for connecting todetachable slide-prevention devices.

In another feature, the barrier includes fittings for filling thebarrier with a fluid and for draining the fluid from the barrier. Thefittings have wide flanges which abut against opposite sides of a wallof the membrane. Fasteners fasten between the flanges, thus clamping theflanges together and capturing the wall of the membrane. This evenlydistributes the stresses in the wall, and seals the fitting againstleakage.

In another feature, the tubular membrane has opposite ends which aworker seals against fluid leakage in the following manner. Oppositesides of a perimetrical edge are brought together. The worker trims theedge to allow an overlap between opposite sides of the edge. The sidesbond together at the overlap in a lap-seam.

In another feature, the barrier is part of a barrier assembly whichincludes at least one other barrier. The barrier assembly has at leasttwo barriers which stack one upon another.

In another feature, the barrier bulges prior to delamination of the lapseams, thereby providing a visual warning of overfilling.

In another feature, a webbing connects adjacent barriers by strapping awebbing portion around the barriers, thus sealing against leakagebetween the barriers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features, characteristic of the invention, are set forth inthe appended claims. However, the invention itself, as well as apreferred mode of use, and further objectives and advantages thereof,will best be understood by reference to the following detaileddescription, when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings inwhich the left-most significant digit(s) in the reference numeralsdenote(s) the first figure in which the respective reference numeralsappear.

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an illustrative water-fillable barrier.

FIG. 2 is a isometric, cross-sectional view of the water-fillablebarrier of FIG. 1, cut by the plane which reference numeral 36 in FIG. 1indicates.

FIG. 3A is a partial cut-away, close up view of the region whichreference numeral 3 a in FIG. 2 indicates.

FIG. 3B is a close up view of another embodiment showing the regionwhich reference numeral 3 b in FIG. 2 indicates.

FIG. 3C is a close up view of another embodiment showing the regionwhich reference numeral 3 c in FIG. 2 indicates.

FIG. 4 is a close up, cross-sectional view of the region which referencenumeral 4 in FIG. 1 indicates.

FIG. 5A is an isometric view of the water-fillable barrier of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5B is a perspective view of an end of the ater-fillable barrier ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 5C is a perspective view of an end of the water-fillable barrier ofFIG. 1, showing a lifting loop.

FIGS. 5D, 5E, and 5F illustrate the preferred method of installing thewater-fillable barrier in moving water.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a stack of the water-Tillablebarriers of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is an isometric, cross-sectional view of another embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 6 is an isometric, cross-sectional view of another embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 9 is an isometric, cross-sectional view of another embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 10 is a partial side view of another embodiment of an end of theinvention.

FIG. 11 is a partial side view of another embodiment of an end of theinvention.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an end-to-end assembly of theinvention.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a “T” joint assembly of the invention.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a “L” joint assembly of the invention.

FIGS. 16A, 16B, 16C, and 16D are partial views of various connections ofbarriers, showing the use of cleats for the connections.

FIGS. 17A, 17B, 17C, and 17D illustrate seam connections whenmanufacturing the barrier, using a conventional sewing method.

FIGS. 18A and 18B illustrate seam connections when manufacturing thebarrier, using a hot air welder.

FIGS. 19A and 19B illustrate seam connections when manufacturing thebarrier, using thermal welding.

FIGS. 20A, 20B, and 20C illustrate seam connections when manufacturingthe barrier, using a combination of sewing and thermally welding.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIG. 1, a fluid-fillable barrier 20 includes a tubular,impermeable membrane 24, and tension members 32 and 32 a. The membrane24 and the tension members are fabricated from a 0.025 inch thick,flexible, woven polyester. A layer of flexible polyvinyl chloride coatsthe woven polyester. A cutting plane 36 indicates the location of thecross-section of FIG. 2. The cutting plane 36 is perpendicular to acentral axis 40 of the membrane 24. Cleats 26 are thermally welded tothe barrier 20 for connecting slide-prevention devices, such aslandscape timbers, on the bottom of the barrier 20, to help prevent thebarrier 20 from sliding, and are also used to connect a first barrier 20to a second barrier 20 to form a barrier assembly 108, as shown in FIG.6, a barrier assembly 216 as shown in FIG. 13, a barrier assembly 240 asshown in FIG. 14, a barrier assembly 266 as shown in FIG. 15, and abarrier assembly 300 as shown in FIGS. 16A, 16B, and 16C. In thepreferred embodiment, the cleats 26 are located every ten feet.

Referring now to FIG. 2, the membrane 24 has upper and lower attachmentareas 44 and 48, which extend along a dimension parallel to the centralaxis 40 of the membrane 24. The tension members 32, 32 a are planar andhave opposite ends 52 and 56 which include corresponding upper and lowerbonding areas (e.g., 43, shown in FIG. 3A). The tension members 32, 32 ahave openings 60 through which a fluid may pass, thus permitting thefilling of the barrier 20 across the tension member. The tension member32 has a maximum taut length h1 which is less than a laid-flat, emptywidth of the membrane 24, the length and the width being measured at acommon cross-section. The cross-section is taken perpendicular to thecentral axis 40 of the membrane 24. The tension members 32, 32 a securebetween, and extend from, the upper attachment area 44 to the lowerattachment area 48. The second tension member 32 a (not shown in FIG. 2)has a maximum taut length h2, which is greater than the maximum tautlength h1 so that under normal operating conditions, the tension member32 a is limp. In the preferred embodiments, the length h2 is between oneinch greater and 25% greater than the length h1. In the most preferredembodiment, the length h2 is 16% greater than the length h1. The upperand lower bonding areas bond to corresponding upper and lower attachmentareas 44 and 48.

Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3A, the bonding area 43 bonds to thecorresponding upper attachment area 44 in a double lap-seam 50, along abonding interface 64. The bonding is a thermal fusion bonding. Hot airwelding fuses the bonding area 43 to the upper attachment area 44, thuscreating bonding interfaces 64. During hot air welding, the bonding area43 and the corresponding attachment area 44 pass between two rollers(not shown). Just prior to the bonding area 43 and the correspondingattachment area 44 entering between the rollers, a jet of hot air heatsthe bonding interface 64. This softens the bonding area 43 and theattachment area 44, in preparation for a bond. The combination of thedouble-lap seam 50, the bonding area 43, the attachment area 44, and thebonding interfaces 64 form a “T-seam” 65. See also FIG. 3B, which showsthat the double lap-seam 50 provides a substantially triangular gap 112between the membrane 24 and the tension members 32 and 32 a. In apreferred embodiment, additionally, the bonding area 43 and thecorresponding attachment area 44 are also connected via anindustrially-sewn thread line. The thread is a Kevlar filament threadthat has a breaking strength of forty-five pounds. The thread line ismade of four lock stitches per inch, thus resulting in 180 poundsbreaking strength per inch. The maximum internal stress that the barrierassemblies 108, 216, 240, 266, and 300 receive (when stacked to be eightfeet in height) is eighty-nine pounds. Thus, the 180pound-thread-breaking-strength results in a safety factor of two. Thisthread line is a “stop gap” measure which prevents the critical triangleof the T-seam 65 from delaminating.

Referring now to FIG. 1, the barrier 20 includes fittings 66 withstandpipes 67 placed along the top of the barrier 20, to be used for airventing and protection against overinflating. The preferred type offittings 66 for a barrier 20 that is one to four feet in height aretwo-inch internal diameter, made of threaded polyethylene. The topfemale fitting is threaded onto the bottom male fitting with the barrierouter membrane in between. The fittings 66 are part number 502, made by“Custom Plastics”, located at 1305 West. Brooks Street, Ontario, CA91762. The preferred type of fittings 66 for barriers five to eight feetin height are four-inch internal diameter threaded polyethylene, allplastic injection molding, made by the All Plastics company, located at15700 Midway, Addison, Tex. 75001. The top and bottom flange are boltedonto the outer membrane using stainless steel bolts.

The standpipes 67 are made of standard schedule 40 pvc pipe. Thestandpipe 67 lengths vary depending on the height of the barrier 20. Thelengths correspond to the head pressure that is required to fullyinflate the barrier 20 to its recommended height. The table below showsthe recommended lengths:

Barrier height Standpipe length in feet in inches 1 2 2 4 3 5 4 7 5 9 611 7 12 8 15

Referring now to FIG. 4, the barrier 20 also includes fittings 68 forfilling the barrier with a fluid and draining the fluid from thebarrier. The fittings 68 have wide flanges 72 a and 72 b, which abutagainst opposite sides of a wall 76 of the membrane 24. Fasteners 80fasten between the flanges 72 a and 72 b, thus clamping the flangestogether and capturing the wall 76 of the membrane 24. This evenlydistributes the stresses in the wall 76, and seals the fitting 68against leakage.

Referring now to FIGS. 5A and 5B, the membrane 24 has opposite ends 33and 34, each having a perimetrical edge 96 defining an opening 98. Aworker seals the opposite ends 33 and 34 against fluid leakage in thefollowing manner. Opposite sides 88 and 92 of a perimetrical edge 96 arebrought together. The worker trims the edge 96 to allow an overlap 100between opposite sides 88 and 92. The sides 88 and 92 bond together atthe overlap 100 in a lap-seam.

Referring now to FIG. 5C, after bonding the ends 33 and 34, a liftingloop 101 is bonded or sewn to each end 33 and 34, but in the preferredembodiment, it is heat sealed to each end 33 and 34. The lifting loop101 is sized to accommodate up to a three-inch internal diameter,schedule 40 steel pipe that can be slid into either end of the liftingloop 101. The lifting loop 101 contains a minimum of three cut-outs 102for the smaller barriers, but contains more for the larger barriers.

In operation, up to a three-inch internal diameter, schedule 40 steelspreader pipe 109 (shown in FIG. 5D) is slid into either end of thelifting loop 101. Next, an additional schedule 40 steel spreader pipe109, up to a three-inch internal diameter, is connected parallel to theschedule 40 steel spreader pipe 109 that is inside the lifting loop 101by using at least five pieces of nylon rope, preferably ¾ inch by sixfeet long, one at each end of the Schedule 40 steel spreader pipe 109,and one through each cut-out 102. Next, the operator attaches three ¾inch by fifteen feet nylon ropes to only the three-inch diameter outsidespreader pipe 109, at the locations of the cut-outs 102, and thenconnects those three nylon ropes to a hoisting apparatus 103 (shown inFIG. 5D).

Once the barrier 20 is manufactured, a worker stores the barrier 20empty. The worker may either roll up or fan-fold the barrier 20 inpreparation for storage, depending on the requirements of theanticipated use. In operation, when deploying the barrier 20 from astored configuration on dry land, the barrier 20 is advantageouslystored in a rolled condition. This minimizes abrasion of the barrier 20against the ground during deployment.

Referring now to FIG. 5D, in installations in which dynamic flowingwater 106 is present, at one end of the barrier 20, the lifting loop 101is accessed, the spreader pipes 109 are connected, and all are connectedto a hoisting apparatus 103. Similarly, at the other end of the barrier20, the lifting loops 101 and spreader pipes 109 are connected to ashoreline anchor point 110. In an alternate method of operation, theshoreline anchor point 110 can be replaced with a second hoistingapparatus 103. The barrier 20 is suspended above the body of water 106utilizing the lifting loop 101 while inflation takes place using thepumps 105, fill lines 104, and fittings 68. Partial inflation is shownin FIG. 5E, and full inflation is shown in FIG. 5F. The weight of thefilled portion of the barrier 20 helps anchor the barrier 20 duringdeployment across the moving water 106, provided that the head of waterin the barrier exceeds the head of the moving water, and the weightgenerates sufficient friction with the floor to resist the hydrodynamicpressure which the moving water imposes. The reverse of this process canbe used to remove the barrier 20. When reversing the process, water inthe barrier 20 is allowed to drain out through drain ports 69. For abarrier 20 that is five feet high, and one hundred feet long, thebarrier 20 has a drain port 69 centered on each longitudinal side, andone drain port 69 on each end 33, 34. Each drain port 69 comprises aneight inch ABS plastic threaded plug with a standard U.S. thread, with alip that is ¼ inch thick, and extends ¾ of an inch from the thread line.A ¾ inch wide, 118 thick neoprene reinforced with nylon gasket isinstalled outside the thread line, and rests under the lip. When theplug is threaded into position, the lip-gasket combination acts toprevent leaking that would otherwise occur from the flange thread—plugthread connection. The plugs are manufactured by the All PlasticsCompany, located at 15700 Midway, Addison, Tex. 75001.

In a situation in which there is standing water across which the barrier20 must span, a worker may pull the barrier, which a worker had storedin a fan-folded condition, across the water from an embankment 212 or214 (shown in FIG. 12) opposite the deployment point. This enables rapiddeployment of the barrier 20. The worker may then fill the barrier 20after deployment.

Unless a worker fills the barrier 20 concurrently with water duringdeployment, or uses a barrier whose ends 33 or 34 (shown in FIG. 5 a)are sealed, the worker must prepare the ends such that water will notleak out from the ends, according to the embodiments described above.

Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, in operation, after the ends 33 and 34(shown in FIG. 5 a) are sealed, a worker attaches a water fill line 104from a pump 105 to the fitting 68. The worker attaches a suction line107 from a water source into the barrier 20 to the pump 105. The workerthen pumps water 106 from the water source into the barrier 20. When thewall 76 of the barrier 20 begins to bulge along the double lap seam 50(shown in FIG. 3B), then the barrier is full. When a net pressureapplies to the side 124 and/or 128, the barrier 20 begins to roll in thedirection of the net pressure. The net pressure is the differencebetween the hydrodynamic and/or hydrostatic pressure which a water headapplies to the sides 124 and 128. The tension member 32 locks thebarrier 20 against continued rotation which the net pressure induces,regardless of the barrier's filled height, thus providing a securebarrier which does not require shoring up or bracing in order to preventfurther movement, and which, after the locking, is effective as abarrier at any point of filling, up to the maximum filled height of thebarrier. The barrier 20 locks because, as the membrane 24 fills withwater, and the net pressure causes the barrier to roll, the tensionmember 32 ultimately extends to its maximum taut length h1. Because thetension member 32 can stretch no further, and because further stretchingis necessary in order for the tension member to continue around endradii “r1” and “r2” of the membrane 24 without deforming the shape ofthe membrane (which itself is fully in tension), the barrier 20 stopsrolling and locks in place. The tension member 32 a serves as a “backup”to tension member 32, in case tension member 32 breaks. If the tensionmember 32 breaks, then the tension member 32 a will operate in the samemanner that the tension member 32 had been operating.

Referring now to FIG. 6, the barrier 20 may be part of a barrierassembly 108 which includes at least one other barrier. The barrierassembly 108 may have two or more barriers 20 which stack one uponanother, in a pyramid fashion. This enables the control or damming ofheads of water which exceed the height of a single barrier 20.

Referring now to FIG. 3B, in another embodiment, the double lap-seam 50provides a substantially triangular gap 112 between the membrane 24 andthe tension members 32 and 32 a.

Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3C, in another, simplified embodiment, twobonding areas, one along each end 52 and 56, and on opposite sides ofthe tension members 32, 32 a, bond to corresponding attachment areas 44and 48 in a single lap-seam 116 along a bonding interface 120. Bondingon opposite sides of the tension members 32, 32 a ensures that thebonding areas will not be subject to a high peeling force when a controlfluid (the fluid which the barrier 20 shall control, contain, or divert)applies a net hydrodynamic and/or hydrostatic pressure to the side 128of the barrier 20. However, in this embodiment, any net pressure whichapplies against the opposite side 124 would cause the barrier 20 to rolluntil the tension member locks the barrier against further motion. Thetension in the tension member 32 would then apply a force to bothlap-seams 116 which would tend to peel the lap-seams from theirrespective attachment areas 44 and 48, ultimately resulting indelamination and failure of the lap-seams. Therefore, although thisembodiment is simple, it is effective only when the net pressure appliesin a certain direction (in this case, side 128).

Referring now to FIG. 7, in another embodiment, the barrier 20 has atleast two tension members 132 and 136 which lie in non-parallel planes.The tension member 132 inclines toward another tension member 136, thusforming a cell 137 between them which does not have the shape of aparallelogram. This arrangement minimizes the free lateral movement ofthe barrier 20, prior to the barrier locking in place. A third tensionmember 133 acts as a backup to the tension members 132 and 136, in thesame way that tension member 32 a works as a backup to tension member32.

Color coded strips 135 on the top of the barrier 20, above theattachment sections where members 132 and 136 attach, indicate thatmembers 132 and 136 are in tension during normal operation. Color codedstrip 135 a, above the attachment section where member 133 attaches, ismade of a different color than strips 135, thus indicating to the casualobserver that, under normal operating conditions, member 133 is not intension.

In another embodiment (not shown), the tension members 132 and 136 maylie in parallel planes.

Referring now to FIG. 8, in another embodiment, the tension members 32,32 a are made of a netting material 138. Similarly, in anotherembodiment, not shown, the tension members 132, 133, and 136 are made ofa netting material 138. Just as in the embodiment of FIG. 7, a colorcoded strip 135 on the top of the barrier 20, above the attachmentsection where member 32 attaches, indicates that member 32 is in tensionduring normal operation. Color coded strip 135 a, above the attachmentsection where member 32 a attaches, is made of a different color thanstrip 135, thus indicating to the casual observer that, under normaloperating conditions, member 32 a is not in tension.

Referring now to FIG. 9, in another embodiment, the tension members 32,32 a are straps or cables 140. The strap 140 has upper and lower ends144 and 148, which bond or otherwise attach to corresponding attachmentareas 152 and 156 of the membrane 24.

Referring now to FIGS. 5 a and 10, in another embodiment, a worker sealsthe opposite ends 33 and 34 against fluid leakage by bringing oppositesides 88 and 92 of each edge 96 together, and folding a length of eachend underneath the middle, fluid-fillable section 35. This defines afolded over portion 176. The worker then fills the barrier 20 with afluid such that the weight of the fluid, indicated by the arrow, “w”,against the folded over portion 176 and the ground 178, seals each end33 and 34.

Referring now to FIGS. 5 a and 11, in another embodiment, the ends 33and 34 seal against fluid leakage by closing each edge 96 of themembrane 24, folding over a length of each end back over the middle,fluid-fillable section 35, thus defining a folded over portion 180,tucking a length of the folded over portion under a closed strap 184having a predetermined perimetrical length, and filling the barrier 20with a fluid such that the strap applies pressure against the foldedover portion, thus sealing the end.

Referring now to FIG. 12, in another embodiment, the membrane 24 hasopposite ends 188 and 192, and a middle, fluid-fillable section 35. Theopposite ends 188 and 192 each have a perimetrical edge 200 defining anopening 204. A worker elevates the opening 204 to a height which ishigher than a height which the fluid-fillable section 35 attains whenfilled with fluid, thus preventing fluid leakage from the elevated end188 or 192. Embankments 212 and 214, for example, may conveniently serveto elevate the ends 188 and 192.

Referring now to FIG. 13, in another embodiment, the barrier 20 is partof a barrier assembly 216 in which a webbing 220 joins at least twobarriers end-to-end. The webbing 220 is tailored to join the barriers 20at a 180 degree. angle, although the webbing may optionally be tailoredto join the barriers 20 at any angle. The webbing 220 straps around theadjacent ends 33 and 34 of the barriers 20. The webbing 220 includes awebbing portion 224 and straps 228 with adjustable connectors or buckles230. The webbing portion 224 has a length, “L”, sufficient to overlap anarea of the middle, fluid-fillable section 35 near each of the adjacentends 33 and 34. The overlap has a length, “l”, sufficient to sealagainst fluid pressure, and a width sufficient to wrap around eachadjacent barrier 20 to a height, “h2”, which is higher than ananticipated depth of the water 106 to be controlled, contained, ordiverted. This prevents excessive flow of fluid past the webbing portion224. The straps 228 connect to an edge 232 of the webbing portion 224.The adjustable buckles 230 adjustably connect corresponding straps 228together around the barriers 20. The straps 228 draw tightly around eachbarrier 20, thus sealing the webbing 220 against the barriers 20.

Now referring to FIG. 14, in another embodiment, the barrier 20 is partof a barrier assembly 240 in which a webbing 244 joins two barriers, onebarrier being joined by its end 33, and the other along its middle,fluid-fillable section 35. The webbing 244 includes two webbing portions248 and 252, and straps 228 with adjustable buckles 230. The webbingportions 248 and 252 are each tailored to cradle one of the adjacentbarriers 20, wrapping around the middle, fluid-fillable section 35 ofone of the barriers and an end 33 of another barrier, including aportion of the fluid-fillable section 35 of this barrier, in a “T”joint. Nevertheless, the webbing 244 may optionally be tailored to jointhe barriers 20 at a wide range of angles. The webbing portions 248 and252 have lengths, “L1” and “L2”, defined parallel to an axis 254 of thebarrier 20 around which each wraps, sufficient to overlap an area of themiddle, fluid-fillable section 35 of each of the adjacent barriers. Theoverlap has a length, “l1” and “l2”, sufficient to seal againstexcessive fluid flow, and a width sufficient to wrap around eachadjacent barrier 20 to a height, “h3”, which is higher than theanticipated depth of water to be controlled, contained, or diverted.This prevents excessive flow of fluid past the webbing 244. The webbingportions 248 and 252 connect together at a seam 256 to form theunbroken, sealed webbing 244 between adjacent barriers 20. The straps228 connect to edges 260, 261, 262, 263, and 264 of the webbing portions248 and 252. The adjustable buckles 230 adjustably connect correspondingstraps 228 together around the barriers 20. The straps 228 draw tightlyaround each barrier 20, thus sealing the webbing 244 against thebarriers.

Now referring to FIG. 15, in another embodiment, the barrier 20 is partof a barrier assembly 266 in which a webbing 268 joins the ends 33 and34 of two barriers. The webbing 268 includes two webbing portions 272and 276, and straps 228 and 280 with adjustable buckles 230. The webbingportions 272 and 276 are each tailored to cradle the ends 33 and 34 ofthe adjacent barriers 20, wrapping around a portion of the middle,fluid-fillable sections 35 of each of the barriers, in a “L.” joint.Nevertheless, the webbing may optionally be tailored to join thebarriers 20 at a wide range of angles. The webbing portions 272 and 276have lengths, “L3” and “L4”, defined parallel to an axis of the barrier20 around which each wraps, sufficient to overlap a portion of themiddle fluid-fillable section 35 of each of the adjacent barriers. Theoverlap has a length, “l3” and “l4”, sufficient to seal againstexcessive fluid flow, and a width sufficient to wrap around eachadjacent barrier 20 to a height, “h4”, which is higher than theanticipated depth of water to be controlled, contained, or diverted.This prevents excessive flow of fluid past the webbing 268. The webbingportions 272 and 276 connect together along a seam 284 to form anunbroken, sealed webbing 268 between adjacent barriers 20. The straps228 and 280 connect to edges 288 and 292 of each webbing portion 272 and276. The adjustable buckles 230 adjustably connect corresponding straps228 and 280 together around the barriers 20. The straps 228 and 280 drawtightly around each barrier 20, thus sealing the webbing 268 against thebarriers.

Referring now to FIG. 16 a, in another embodiment, the barrier 20 ispart of a barrier assembly 300 in which end cleats 302 are used to jointhe ends 33 and 34 of two barriers. The end cleats 302 are loops thatare eight inches in diameter, and are produced from thirty-five ounce,number 2000 denier, vinyl-coated polyester, with a two-inch wideseatbelt industrial strength webbing. The cleats are connected to eachother by rope, webbing, a bungee cord, or any similar soft device. Thelocations of the cleats 302 depend on the height of the barrier 20, andthe required overlap. As an example, an eight-foot-high barrier uses atwelve foot overlap so that the three cleats 302 on the barrier 20 arelocated twelve feet from the end, one on each side, and one just off thetop center baffle line. Also, there are three cleats 302 on the end ofthe barrier 20: one on each side, and one in the middle. Thus, the endcleats 302 are located on the sides, top, and end of the barrier 20.Referring now to FIG. 16 b, two barriers 20 are joined together at aright angle. Preferably, ¾ inch thick nylon rope is used to connect thecleats of the two barriers. Referring now to FIG. 16 c, two barriers 20are joined together at a 45 degree angle, using the end cleats 302 andnylon rope. Referring now to FIG. 16 d, two barriers 20 are joinedtogether by having an end of a first barrier overlapping an end of asecond barrier, using the end cleats 302 and nylon rope.

For any of the embodiments shown, a slide prevention membrane isavailable to completely encapsulate the barrier, or can be attached toonly the bottom of the barrier, as the user desires. The membrane hasfabricated loops, straps, etc. for attaching landscape timbers or otherprotruding devices to create points of friction for slide prevention. Inthe preferred embodiment, the slide prevention membrane is made ofMirafi MPV400, manufactured by the Tencate company, located inPendergrass, Ga. In other embodiments, additional fabricated seams withattachment points are added to the barrier 20 to further assist in slideprevention.

There are several methods of manufacturing the T-seam 65. The T-seam 65can be welded using one of three types of machines: hot air welding, hotwedge welding, or radio frequency welding. There are many manufacturersof machines that can accomplish this weld, including Miller Weldmaster,which sells both hot air and hot wedge machines, and KabarManufacturing, which sells a radio frequency welding machine.

A conventional sewing method for making the T-seam 65 is illustrated inFIG. 17. First, in FIG. 17A, flexible reinforced plastic panels 402 and403 are bonded together. Then, in FIG. 17B, flexible plastic panel 404is placed on top of panels 402 and 403. In FIG. 17C, a double sewn line405 of at least four lock stitches per inch connects panel 402 to panel404. The thread used for this sewing process must be heat resistant upto 900 degrees. Although there are many thread manufacturers, thepreferred one is Saunders Thread Company. In FIG. 17D, a panel 406 iswelded onto the sewn area, which prevents external fluid leaks throughthe perforated areas. These steps of the process combine to create athree-sided connection, the T-seam 65. This conventional method ofmaking the T-seam 65 is used to make barriers that are only four feet orless in height.

A method for making the T-seam 65 is illustrated in FIG. 18. In FIG.18A, flexible reinforced plastic panels 407 and 408 are welded together,using a hot air welder. In FIG. 16B, a flexible reinforced plastic panel409 is dielectrically welded to panels 407 and 408, creating athree-sided connection, the T-seam 65.

A second method is thermal welding. This method for making the T-seam 65is illustrated in FIG. 19. In FIG. 19A, flexible reinforced plasticpanels 410 and 411 are welded together. In FIG. 19B, a flexiblereinforced plastic strip 412 is welded on top of the panels 410 and 411,creating a three-sided connection, the T-seam 65.

Referring now to FIG. 20, in the preferred embodiment, the T-seam 65 isproduced by a combination of sewing and thermally welding. First, inFIG. 20A, flexible reinforced plastic panels 413 and 414 are thermallywelded together. Next, in FIG. 206, a double industrial sew line 415 isinstalled through the welded connection of panels 413 and 414. The sewline 415 is an additional safety measure in the event that the thermalwelding process used to create the T-seam 65 is faulty. The thread usedin this process does not need to be heat resistant because it is notbeing exposed to any of the welding processes. The preferred thread is aKevlar filament thread, sold by the Saunders Thread Co., Model No. B-138TEX 120 FIL, SK100 bonded NM, 16-ounce KT. It has a breaking strength offorty-five pounds.

The sew line is four lock stitches per inch, thus resulting in 180pounds of breaking strength per inch. The maximum internal stress thatan eight-foot-high barrier assembly 108, 216, 240, 266, or 300 receivesis eighty-nine pounds. Thus, the sew line of four lock stitches per inchgives a safety factor of two. The sew line is installed within aquarter-inch or nearer to the outside edge of the longitudinal weldconnecting panels 413 and 414. Next, in FIG. 20C, a flexible reinforcedplastic panel 416 is welded on top of the panels 413 and 414. This isthe preferred method for creating a three-sided connection, the T-seam65.

A technical advantage of the invention is that it is simple andeconomical.

Another technical advantage is that, after locking, the inventionprovides a secure barrier 20 over a wide range of heights, from a fewinches to the maximum filled height of the barrier.

Another technical advantage is that the invention is easily deployableand light weight. The barrier 20, when six feet high and one-hundredfeet long, weighs only about 1,000 pounds when empty.

Another technical advantage is that the tension members 32, 132, and 136lock the barrier 20 against continued rotation induced by unequalhydrostatic and/or hydrodynamic pressure applied against sides 124 or128 (shown in FIG. 2) of the barrier, thus providing a secure barrierwhich does not require shoring up or bracing in order to preventmovement. Another technical advantage is that the tension members 32 aand 133 provide a safety system, in case any of the tension members 32,132, and 136 fail.

Another technical advantage, as shown in FIG. 3 b, is that the wall 76of the barrier 20 bulges prior to delamination of the lap seams, therebyproviding a visual warning of overfilling.

Another technical advantage is that the bonding uses a double lap seam50 which resists peeling, thus increasing the durability of the barrier.

Although an illustrative embodiment of the invention has been shown anddescribed, other modifications, changes, and substitutions are intendedin the foregoing disclosure. For example, the membrane 24 and/or thetension members 32, 32 a, 132, 133, 136 may be fabricated from othermaterials, such as vinyl plastic, nylon-reinforced orpolyester-reinforced neoprene rubber, polyethylene, polypropylene, butylrubber, or other reinforced plastic or rubber. In addition, the oppositeends 33 or 34 of the barrier 20 may seal in differing manners, one endsealing according to one of the embodiments described above, and theother end according to another. Further, other connectors, such asmating “VELCRO” straps, D-rings, clamps, or a hand-crankable drawmechanism, may substitute for the buckles 230. Accordingly, it isappropriate that the appended claims be construed broadly and consistentwith the scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A fluid-fillable barrier comprising: a tubularimpermeable membrane having a longitudinal axis, opposite ends at firstand second ends of the longitudinal axis, a middle, fluid-fillableportion; a first attachment area on a first side of the longitudinalaxis, and a second attachment area on a second side of the longitudinalaxis, the second side opposing the first side; a first tension memberextending from the first attachment area to the second attachment area;a second tension member extending from the first attachment area to thesecond attachment area; and the tension members each having at least onehole to equalize fluid pressure on either side of the tension member;wherein, when the barrier is filled with fluid, and is in a place toblock a fluid, the first tension member prevents the barrier from beingmoved from the place by external fluid pressure, and wherein the firsttension member has a taut length which is less than one-half of the tautperimeter of a cross-section of the tubular membrane, the taut lengthand the taut perimeter being measured at a common cross-section takenperpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the tubular membrane, andwherein the length of the second tension member, in a relaxed state, isat least one inch longer than the taut length of the first tensionmember.
 2. The fluid-fill able barrier of claim 1, having a thirdtension member extending from the first attachment area to the secondattachment area, wherein the third tension member has the same tautlength as the first tension member, and wherein the first and thirdtension members are not parallel to one another.
 3. The fluid-fillablebarrier of claim 2, wherein the tension members are planar membraneswhich are parallel to a longitudinal axis of the tubular impermeablemembrane.
 4. The fluid-fillable barrier of claim 3, wherein the tensionmembers are made of a netting material.
 5. The fluid-fillable barrier ofclaim 2, wherein the tension members are made of a flexible, planarmaterial having first and second opposite edges which includecorresponding first and second bonding areas, the first and secondbonding areas corresponding to the first and second attachment areas. 6.The fluid-fillable barrier of claim 5, wherein the length of the secondtension member, in a relaxed state, is at least ten percent longer thanthe taut length of the first tension member.
 7. The fluid-fillablebarrier of claim 6, wherein the length of the second tension member, ina relaxed state, is greater than ten percent longer than the taut lengthof the first tension member, but is less than twenty-five percent longerthan the taut length of the first tension member.
 8. The fluid-fillablebarrier of claim 7, wherein the bonding areas of the tension members arebonded to the attachment areas by a combination of a thermal bonding anda sew line.
 9. The fluid-fillable barrier of claim 8, further comprisingbarrier connection cleats on the sides and top of the barrier.
 10. Thefluid-fillable barrier of claim 9, wherein the barrier connection cleatsalso serve as attachment points for external slide-prevention devices.11. The fluid-fillable barrier of claim 10, further comprising a liftingloop at each end, each loop sized to receive a two-inch pipe.
 12. Thefluid-fillable barrier of claim 11, further comprising standpipes on thetop of the barrier.
 13. A fluid-fillable barrier comprising: a tubularimpermeable membrane having a longitudinal axis, opposite ends at firstand second ends of the longitudinal axis, a middle, fluid-fillableportion; a first attachment area on a first side of the longitudinalaxis, and a second attachment area on a second side of the longitudinalaxis, the second side opposing the first side; a first tension memberextending from the first attachment area to the second attachment area;the first tension member having at least one hole to equalize fluidpressure on either side of the first tension member; the first tensionmember is made of a flexible, planar material having first and secondopposite edges which include corresponding first and second bondingareas, the first and second bonding areas corresponding to the first andsecond attachment areas; and the bonding areas of the first tensionmember are bonded to the attachment areas by a combination of a thermalbonding and a sew line; wherein, when the barrier is filled with fluid,and is in a place to block a fluid, the first tension member preventsthe barrier from being moved from the place by external fluid pressure,and wherein the first tension member has a taut length which is lessthan one-half of the taut perimeter of a cross-section of the tubularmembrane, the taut length and the taut perimeter being measured at acommon cross-section taken perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of thetubular membrane.
 14. The fluid-fill able barrier of claim 13, having asecond tension member extending from the first attachment area to thesecond attachment area, the second tension member having at least onehole to equalize fluid pressure on either side of the second tensionmember, the second tension member made of a flexible, planar materialhaving first and second opposite edges which include corresponding firstand second bonding areas, the first and second bonding areascorresponding to the first and second attachment areas, the bondingareas of the first tension member are bonded to the attachment areas bya combination of a thermal bonding and a sew line, and wherein thelength of the second tension member, in a relaxed state, is at least oneinch longer than the taut length of the first tension member.
 15. Thefluid-fillable barrier of claim 14, having a third tension memberextending from the first attachment area to the second attachment area,wherein the third tension member has the same taut length as the firsttension member, and wherein the first and third tension members are notparallel to one another.
 16. The fluid-fillable barrier of claim 15,wherein the tension members are planar membranes which are parallel to alongitudinal axis of the tubular impermeable membrane.
 17. Thefluid-fillable barrier of claim 16, wherein the tension members are madeof a netting material.
 18. The fluid-fillable barrier of claim 16,wherein the length of the second tension member, in a relaxed state, isat least ten percent longer than the taut length of the first tensionmember.
 19. The fluid-fillable barrier of claim 18, wherein the lengthof the second tension member, in a relaxed state, is greater than tenpercent longer than the taut length of the first tension member, but isless than twenty-five percent longer than the taut length of the firsttension member.
 20. The fluid-fillable barrier of claim 19, furthercomprising barrier connection cleats on the sides and top of thebarrier.
 21. The fluid-fillable barrier of claim 20, wherein the barrierconnection cleans also serve as attachment points for externalslide-prevention devices.
 22. The fluid-fillable barrier of claim 21,further comprising a lifting loop at each end, each loop sized toreceive a two-inch pipe.
 23. The fluid-fillable barrier of claim 22,further comprising standpipes on the top of the barrier.
 24. Afluid-fillable barrier comprising: a tubular impermeable membrane havinga longitudinal axis, opposite ends at first and second ends of thelongitudinal axis, a middle, fluid-fillable portion; a first attachmentarea on a first side of the longitudinal axis, and a second attachmentarea on a second side of the longitudinal axis, the second side opposingthe first side; a first tension member extending from the firstattachment area to the second attachment area; the first tension memberhaving at least one hole to equalize fluid pressure on either side ofthe first tension member; the first tension member made of a flexible,planar material having first and second opposite edges which includecorresponding first and second bonding areas, the first and secondbonding areas corresponding to the first and second attachment areas;and barrier connection cleats on the sides and top of the barrier;wherein, when the barrier is filled with fluid, and is in a place toblock a fluid, the first tension member prevents the barrier from beingmoved from the place by external fluid pressure, and wherein the firsttension member has a taut length which is less than one-half of the tautperimeter of a cross-section of the tubular membrane, the taut lengthand the taut perimeter being measured at a common cross-section takenperpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the tubular membrane.
 25. Thefluid-f liable barrier of claim 24, having a second tension memberextending from the first attachment area to the second attachment area,the second tension member having at least one hole to equalize fluidpressure on either side of the second tension member, the second tensionmember made of a flexible, planar material having first and secondopposite edges which include corresponding first and second bondingareas, the first and second bonding areas corresponding to the first andsecond attachment areas, the bonding areas of the first tension memberare bonded to the attachment areas by a combination of a thermal bondingand a sew line, and wherein the length of the second tension member, ina relaxed state, is at least one inch longer than the taut length of thefirst tension member.
 26. The fluid-fillable barrier of claim 25, havinga third tension member extending from the first attachment area to thesecond attachment area, wherein the third tension member has the sametaut length as the first tension member, and wherein the first and thirdtension members are not parallel to one another.
 27. The fluid-fillablebarrier of claim 26, wherein the tension members are planar membraneswhich are parallel to a longitudinal axis of the tubular impermeablemembrane.
 28. The fluid-fillable barrier of claim 27, wherein thetension members are made of a netting material.
 29. The fluid-fillablebarrier of claim 27, wherein the length of the second tension member, ina relaxed state, is at least ten percent longer than the taut length ofthe first tension member.
 30. The fluid-fillable barrier of claim 29,wherein the length of the second tension member, in a relaxed state, isgreater than ten percent longer than the taut length of the firsttension member, but is less than twenty-five percent longer than thetaut length of the first tension member.
 31. The fluid-fillable barrierof claim 30, wherein the bonding areas of the tension members are bondedto the attachment areas by a combination of a thermal bonding and a sewline.
 32. The fluid-fillable barrier of claim 31, wherein the barrierconnection cleats also serve as attachment points for externalslide-prevention devices.
 33. The fluid-fillable barrier of claim 32,further comprising a lifting loop at each end, each loop sized toreceive a two-inch pipe.
 34. The fluid-fillable barrier of claim 33,further comprising standpipes on the top of the barrier.
 35. A method ofmanufacturing a fluid-fillable barrier, the fluid-fillable barriercomprising a tubular impermeable membrane having a longitudinal axis,opposite ends at first and second ends of the longitudinal axis, amiddle, fluid-fillable portion, a first attachment area on a first sideof the longitudinal axis, and a second attachment area on a second sideof the longitudinal axis, the second side opposing the first side,comprising the steps of: thermally bonding ends of a first tensionmember to the attachment areas; sewing the ends of the first tensionmember to the attachment areas to form a thermally-bonded and sewnconnection; and repeating the steps of thermally bonding and sewing fora second tension member; wherein the step of seeing includes sewing adouble sew line.
 36. The method of claim 35, further comprising the stepof thermally bonding a flexible reinforced plastic panel onto thethermally-bonded and sewn connection.
 37. The method of claim 35,wherein the step of sewing uses a kevlar filament thread.
 38. The methodof claim 35, wherein the step of sewing uses four lock stitches perinch.
 39. A method of installing a fluid-fillable barrier into flowingwater, the barrier comprising a tubular impermeable membrane having alongitudinal axis, first and second barrier ends at first and secondends of the longitudinal axis, a middle, fluid-fillable portion, a firstattachment area on a first side of the longitudinal axis, and a secondattachment area on a second side of the longitudinal axis, the secondside opposing the first side; a first tension member extending from thefirst attachment area to the second attachment area, a second tensionmember extending from the first attachment area to the second attachmentarea, the tension members each having at least one hole to equalizefluid pressure on either side of the tension member, wherein the firsttension member has a taut length which is less than one-half of the tautperimeter of a cross-section of the tubular membrane, the taut lengthand the taut perimeter being measured at a common cross-section takenperpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the tubular membrane, andwherein the length of the second tension member, in a relaxed state, isat least one inch longer than the taut length of the first tensionmember, the barrier further comprising a first lifting loop at the firstbarrier end, and a second lifting loop at the second barrier end, eachloop sized to receive a two-inch pipe, and each loop having a pluralityof cut-outs, the method comprising the steps of: sliding a first pipeinto the first lifting loop; connecting a second pipe to the first pipethrough at least two of the cut-outs; connecting the second pipe to afirst hoisting apparatus; sliding a third pipe into the second liftingloop; connecting a fourth pipe to the third pipe through at least two ofthe cut-outs; connecting the fourth pipe to a shoreline anchor point;using the hoisting apparatus to raise the first barrier end above theflowing water; inflating the barrier with fluid; and lowering the firstbarrier end into the flowing water.
 40. The method of claim 39, whereinin the step of connecting the fourth pipe to a shoreline anchor point,the shoreline anchor point is replaced with a second hoisting apparatus,and wherein both the first hoisting apparatus and the second hoistingapparatus are used to lower the barrier into the flowing water.